Govt ranks ministries on file clearance, grievance redressal

For the first time, government has carried out a performance assessment of ministries on various administrative parameters, including delays in clearing of files, grievance redressal and responses to Cabinet proposals. Cabinet secretary T V Somanathan, on Thursday, presented the ranking of ministries and departments on each of these parameters at the meeting of the Council of Ministers. TOI has learnt that the score cards of ministries and departments were prepared by the Cabinet Secretariat and their sharing was intended to usher a sense of competition to end any delay in clearing of files and addressing people’s issues quickly. “However, there was no overall ranking of ministries on all the parameters put together. The PM instructed all ministers and officers to fast-track decision making for public good and there is room for any delay or lethargy in taking quick action,” said an official. On Friday, PM Narendra Modi on X said, “Had a fruitful meeting of the Council of Ministers yesterday. We exchanged perspectives and best practices relating to boosting ‘Ease of Living, Ease of Doing Business’ and how to further reforms in order to realise our shared dream of a Viksit Bharat.” Following a detailed presentation by Somanathan, some ministers held review meetings with their officials and others have lined up similar exercises early next week to identify the issues and resolve them quickly. Holding such a review meeting, agriculture and rural development minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan directed officials to ensure that farmers and the poor aren’t forced to run from pillar to post, and grievance redressal becomes the top priority. He also directed officials to simplify rules and procedures and use AI, data and digital governance to drive new momentum in agriculture and rural development.